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Anterior vs. Posterior Hip Replacement: What to expect
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Somya.P
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Somya.P
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Last activity on 28/05/2025 at 18:03
Joined in 2023
631 comments posted | 4 in the Muscles / Skeleton / Joints Forum
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Hey @VICKICOFFEY 🌟
Thank you so much for sharing your journey! Three hip replacements, and with the lessons you’ve shared from each one, I can tell how incredibly valuable this post will be for others facing similar decisions before their own surgery.
For those who may not know: the posterior approach, while still widely used, involves cutting through muscles to reach the hip joint. This can lead to a longer healing process and typically requires more intensive physical therapy. On the other hand, the anterior approach uses a natural path between muscles, which can mean less pain, fewer movement restrictions, and faster recovery. Though it’s worth noting that not all surgeons are trained in it or have the required equipment.
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👉 Have others here had hip replacement surgery? What approach did your surgeon take, and how was recovery for you?
👉 If you're preparing for one, what questions or concerns are top of mind for you right now?
👉 For those still dealing with pain, what has helped most in your recovery journey?
Let’s keep this conversation going, every shared story helps build confidence and clarity for someone else 💙
Take care,
Somya from the Carenity team 🌼
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Life after a joint replacement: Share your experiences and advice!

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I had a hip replacement 16 months ago due to osteoarthritis. I can honestly say it was the best decision I have ever made. Yes I was not looking forward to everything post op, but I am now 100% mobile and after not being able to walk any distances I now enjoy walking again and I've managed to lose 2.5 stones. Totally pain free and I've had lots of comments about how much happier I look - my face was obviously showing my pain. If you have any questions please ask!
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Life after a joint replacement: Share your experiences and advice!

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I had a hip replacement 16 months ago due to osteoarthritis. I can honestly say it was the best decision I have ever made. Yes I was not looking forward to everything post op, but I am now 100% mobile and after not being able to walk any distances I now enjoy walking again and I've managed to lose 2.5 stones. Totally pain free and I've had lots of comments about how much happier I look - my face was obviously showing my pain. If you have any questions please ask!
See the best comment
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VICKICOFFEY
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VICKICOFFEY
Last activity on 28/05/2025 at 18:17
Joined in 2017
155 comments posted | 10 in the Muscles / Skeleton / Joints Forum
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Just thought I would share my experiences. I have had three total hip replacements. Two on my right side (I knocked the first replacement loose by a bad fall at the bark park and had to have a second total replacement done) and recently one on the left hip..
The first two on my right side were done with the posterior method--long story short, the muscle is cut through with this method. The recovery wasn't bad, but there was a LOT of P/T involved.
My third and left side replacement was an anterior method. Boy, what a huge difference. They do NOT cut through the muscle with this method, and recovery was so much quicker and easier and a lot less painful. No P/T, just walking!!
If you find yourself in the position of having to get your hip(s) replaced, I would strongly suggest looking into a surgeon that performs anterior vs posterior method.
Anterior hip replacement requires the surgeon to work between the muscles, pushing them aside to get to the hip joint. This natural separation allows ready access to the hip joint with minimal or no muscle cutting. The surgeon works in between muscles supplied by different nerves.The posterior hip replacement approach requires surgeons to cut muscles and other soft tissue at the back of the hip, including: The tensor fascia lata, which is a wide piece of fibrous soft tissue at the top of the outer thigh. It works with the iliotibial band (IT band) to help stabilize the hip and knee.The large gluteus maximus muscle, which is attached to the fascia lata. The gluteus maximus allows a person to extend and rotate the thigh outward. It also helps stabilize the pelvis and keep the body erect.The external rotators of the hip, which are small, short muscles that connect the top of the femur to the pelvis. These muscles provide hip stability, preventing the femur from dislocating out the back of the hip socket.